UK plant pathologist among recipients of USDA Honor Awards
PRINCETON, Ky. — Don Hershman, a plant pathologist with University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, was among a national team of scientists honored on Oct. 20 by the USDA Secretary for their work on Asian soybean rust.

Hershman and his fellow scientists were selected for the award in the category of “Enhancing Protection and Safety of the Nation’s Agriculture and Food Supply.” The award was presented by USDA Secretary Michael Johanns at ceremonies in Washington, D.C.

The Asian soybean rust team, a cooperative partnership between several USDA agencies and universities, was recognized for planning, rapid response and recovery of a potential disaster that was averted by using science-based and technological strategies or addressing and mitigating risks for a potentially devastating plant disease.

The Honor Awards are the most prestigious awards presented by the USDA. This year there were 34 individual and group awards for outstanding service in many fields including stewardship of natural resources, scientific research, animal and plant disease control, environmental innovations, education outreach, emergency response to disasters, food safety, farm and food program delivery, trade and export development, and rural economic development. USDA also honored employees who performed individual acts of heroism and courage.

”I am very humbled to be part of the team to receive the secretary of agriculture’s Honor Award,” Hershman said. “However, I hasten to add that there is a very large number of individuals, both inside and outside of Kentucky, who did not receive recognition, yet are also part of the soybean rust team. I honor their tremendous effort and dedication.”

Since Asian soybean rust was first discovered in the United States in November 2004, Hershman and his fellow scientists have worked to understand the disease and its potential impact on the nation’s soybean producing regions. The disease has been found in many southern states including Kentucky.

Hershman, whose office is located at the UK Research and Education Center in Princeton, is responsible for statewide educational and applied research programs in soybean disease management. Participation in international, national, regional and state level projects and programs is part of this effort.

New sales and marketing director named for Osborne Industries in China
OSBORNE, Kan. — Osborne Industries, Inc. recently announced that Robert Walbeek has been appointed to the position of sales and marketing director-China. Walbeek is working from an Osborne office in Shanghai, China.

Originally a native of Holland, Walbeek earned a bachelor’s degree from RHLA Royal Agricultural College in the Netherlands with studies in agriculture, engineering and livestock operations.

Walbeek brings more than 30 years of commercial experience and expertise in international sales and business management and international logistics and distribution to Osborne. Previously he has worked for Eli Lilly and Ralston Purina.

Robinson has served as the national sales manager for ABM since 2003. Prior to that time, he was the regional sales manager for a company that focused on specialty bio-agronomic and colorant products.

Robinson received a bachelor’s degree in agronomy from Iowa State University and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Iowa. After focusing his studies on international business while earning his master’s degree, Robinson worked in Kiev, Ukraine for Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance and Western NIS Enterprise Fund where he designed, managed and coordinated the implementation of more than 70 business development projects in Ukrainian agriculture.

Advanced Biological Marketing (ABM) is a Van Wert, Ohio based marketer of specialty products for production agriculture in the U.S. and Canada.

NFU hires Brooks Dailey as membership director
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Farmers Union (NFU) has hired Brooks Dailey, who just ended a three-year term as Montana Farmers Union President, as its new Director of Membership. Dailey will begin his new role in membership in November.

In addition to his role as Montana Farmers Union President, Dailey has also served as a director on the NFU Board, as the NFU Foundation secretary/treasurer, for the NFU Service Association, as NFU Membership committee chairman, for Midwest Insurance Agency LLC, partner, as Montana Cooperative Development Center vice president and as Montana Agriculture Innovation Center chairman.

“We are very fortunate to have someone with his skills in a position that is essential to the future of NFU,” NFU President Tom Buis said. “Brooks brings numerous assets to NFU, including a very thorough understanding of the challenges our states face in growing our membership.”

Dailey said he plans to continue to build membership, based on the organization’s historical tradition of forming policy at the grassroots level. He also emphasized the need to focus on new and innovative NFU initiatives to reach out to rural residents and increase the prosperity of rural communities.

“I’m excited to step into this new role in service to family farmers and ranchers throughout the country,” Dailey said. “Specifically, I look forward to promoting the connection between producers and consumers, as well as programs such as the Carbon Credit Program that allow farmers to make a profit.”

This farm news was published in the Nov. 8, 2006 issue of Farm World, serving Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee.